Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2013 9:51:30 GMT -5
WOODSTOCK — The 153rd annual Woodstock Fair returns this weekend, a mix of old traditions, agricultural displays, contests galore and music performances spanning decades of popular music and genres.
The fair, a Labor Day weekend tradition, is sponsored by the Woodstock Agricultural Society. It opens Friday and runs through Monday. The fairgrounds are on Route 169 in South Woodstock.
This year's fair, with the theme "New England tradition," will feature performances by the rock band Survivor at 8 p.m. Friday; the Happy Together Tour, which includes The Turtles, Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night, Mark Lindsay of Paul Revere and the Raiders, Gary Lewis and the Playboys and Gary Puckett and the Union Gap at 8 p.m. Saturday; Thompson Square, which was named the Academy of Country Music's Duo of the Year, at 8 p.m. Sunday, and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, a bagpipe rock band from Scotland, at 4 p.m. Monday.
A New England fair wouldn't be complete without antiques, demonstrations, colonial crafts, agricultural competitions and, at least at Woodstock, the Great Pumpkin.
At the Bruun Barn, situated on the fairgrounds, will be a shingle mill demonstration, hay baling and silo filling demonstrations, a blacksmith and a gas engine display, as well as antique trucks, tractors and cars.
Other popular areas include the sand castle display and the birthing center, where, it is hoped, fairgoers can witness the birth of a calf.
Hungry fairgoers can bust a gut in the numerous eating contests, which include competitions involving pizza, chocolate cream pie, doughnuts, crème cake, and blueberry pie.
Other competitions include "Best Chili," karaoke, a senior sunbonnet contest, a wheelbarrow race and a baking contest.
The keys to the fair's longevity are the organization of the fair, the security team and the dedication of the volunteers, organizers say.
"We've been around for 153 years because the people who run the fair care," said Marc Allard, entertainment supervisor of the Woodstock Fair, adding that value is another reason the fairgrounds are packed year after year.
"Where else can you go for the value? All of the shows are free with the price of admission. Where else can you be entertained all day?" Mr. Allard said.
Tickets can be purchased in advance through Thursday for $10 each, or four tickets for $36, at the Woodstock Fairgrounds administration office, Putnam Farmer's Co-op, Scranton's Shops (admission tickets only), Smart Shipper (four-pack only), Sweet Evalina's (four-pack only) and Xtramart Stores.
Advance sale midway ride tickets from Fiesta Shows cost $22 for 11 rides.
At the gates, general admission is $12; $8 for those 60 or older and free for children younger t han 10.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the gates are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The fair closes at 11 p.m. On Monday, the gates are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the fair closes at 8 p.m.
For a complete schedule of events, visit the fair's website, www.woodstockfair.com
www.telegram.com/article/20130828/NEWS/308289853/1101/raw_headlines
The fair, a Labor Day weekend tradition, is sponsored by the Woodstock Agricultural Society. It opens Friday and runs through Monday. The fairgrounds are on Route 169 in South Woodstock.
This year's fair, with the theme "New England tradition," will feature performances by the rock band Survivor at 8 p.m. Friday; the Happy Together Tour, which includes The Turtles, Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night, Mark Lindsay of Paul Revere and the Raiders, Gary Lewis and the Playboys and Gary Puckett and the Union Gap at 8 p.m. Saturday; Thompson Square, which was named the Academy of Country Music's Duo of the Year, at 8 p.m. Sunday, and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, a bagpipe rock band from Scotland, at 4 p.m. Monday.
A New England fair wouldn't be complete without antiques, demonstrations, colonial crafts, agricultural competitions and, at least at Woodstock, the Great Pumpkin.
At the Bruun Barn, situated on the fairgrounds, will be a shingle mill demonstration, hay baling and silo filling demonstrations, a blacksmith and a gas engine display, as well as antique trucks, tractors and cars.
Other popular areas include the sand castle display and the birthing center, where, it is hoped, fairgoers can witness the birth of a calf.
Hungry fairgoers can bust a gut in the numerous eating contests, which include competitions involving pizza, chocolate cream pie, doughnuts, crème cake, and blueberry pie.
Other competitions include "Best Chili," karaoke, a senior sunbonnet contest, a wheelbarrow race and a baking contest.
The keys to the fair's longevity are the organization of the fair, the security team and the dedication of the volunteers, organizers say.
"We've been around for 153 years because the people who run the fair care," said Marc Allard, entertainment supervisor of the Woodstock Fair, adding that value is another reason the fairgrounds are packed year after year.
"Where else can you go for the value? All of the shows are free with the price of admission. Where else can you be entertained all day?" Mr. Allard said.
Tickets can be purchased in advance through Thursday for $10 each, or four tickets for $36, at the Woodstock Fairgrounds administration office, Putnam Farmer's Co-op, Scranton's Shops (admission tickets only), Smart Shipper (four-pack only), Sweet Evalina's (four-pack only) and Xtramart Stores.
Advance sale midway ride tickets from Fiesta Shows cost $22 for 11 rides.
At the gates, general admission is $12; $8 for those 60 or older and free for children younger t han 10.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the gates are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The fair closes at 11 p.m. On Monday, the gates are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the fair closes at 8 p.m.
For a complete schedule of events, visit the fair's website, www.woodstockfair.com
www.telegram.com/article/20130828/NEWS/308289853/1101/raw_headlines
